Tripod for outdoor macro Photography

wellies101 · #1 (**permalink**) 19-03-2009, 09:44 PM

Hi

I have a Pentax K10D and am looking at developing my macro photography. At present this is mainly of butterflies and dragonflies at the 200-300mm range as thats the only macro lens I have.

However, in the coming months I hope to purchase a macro lens thats maybe 70mm or so. I wanted to get a mini tripod so I could get macro shots using a cable release to minimise shake.

Does anyone know of a good tripod that would suit these requirements? I have looked at the Velbon CX-MINI tripod, but am not certain if this would hold the weight of a DSLR?

Any thoughts and advice appreciated.

James

ron1863 · #2 (**permalink**) 19-03-2009, 09:55 PM

The Giottos MT9241B Travel Tripod is a good make and choice and you can get it on the web. I'm sure others will give alternatives.

Jason Green · #3 (**permalink**) 19-03-2009, 10:14 PM

People have suggested I use a tripod for my photomacrography, but the problem I have is that given the low DoF associated with close-ups is that often by the time you have the tripod attached, set up with the insect framed and ready to shoot - it's gone! I don't know the working distance with your lens, but it's not something I can't really consider with my set-up, at least given my knowledge of the subject at present!

What is your working distance from camera to subject?

wellies101 · #4 (**permalink**) 19-03-2009, 10:20 PM

Jason

With my lens the macro feature functions in the 200-200mm range. The working distance varies from (and these are rough guesses) 50cm's to maybe 3/4 foot?

Jason Green · #5 (**permalink**) 19-03-2009, 10:31 PM

So c500-280mm then... that'll give you more DoF than my set-up I should think. That said, the tripod thing sounds easier. I'd been thinking with my 'close-up lens', which has a working distance of about 90mm, how fiddly it would be keep repositioning the tripod if the DoF went short of or beyond the subject by a few millimetres!

My further input probably won't be relevant or experienced then but quickly, how much was your lens?

NickCantle · #6 (**permalink**) 19-03-2009, 10:33 PM

I use a Velbon CX Mini, but only for fungi and flowers. I hardly use a tripod for insect shots as the light is generally good enough to catch them. If it's too dark, I use flash but apply flash -exp comp so it doesn't look dodgy.

Lancashire Lad · #7 (**permalink**) 19-03-2009, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wellies101

....I have looked at the Velbon CX-MINI tripod, but am not certain if this would hold the weight of a DSLR...

Hi,

The Velbon CX460-Mini would be better for DSLR, as it can hold up to 3Kg, but you would need to be satisfied that a 22cm minimum, and a 56cm maximum height, would meet your needs.

Most of my photography involves macro shooting, and I use a Manfrotto Modo-mini 785SHB tripod, and a velbon Sherpa 600-R (The primary reason being that both of these have low level mode - useful for fungi etc.).

I love the modo-mini, because it is only about 350mm when folded, and it only weighs just over 1Kg. Yet being 5-section, it extends to well over a metre in height. It's fantastic for my FujiS9600, but can only just about (with care) manage a D80 with 60mm macro lens.

The Sherpa has no trouble holding the D80, even with a sigma 180mm macro, but the downside is that the tripod weighs more, and cannot support the camera as close to the ground (without inverting the column).

I keep looking, but have yet to find the "ideal" DSLR macro tripod.

Regards
Mike.

NickCantle · #8 (**permalink**) 19-03-2009, 11:05 PM

I can confirm that a Velbon CX mini holds a 40D + Sigma 105mm absolutely fine. You've just got to compromise sometimes- i.e pivoting the rotator so that the lens is sitting over a leg for extra support.

Cellarman · #9 (**permalink**) 20-03-2009, 08:58 AM

Benbo Trekker or UniLoc equivalent. Not all macro work is at ground level and these tripods will allow photography from ground level to approx 1.5 metres above ground.

NickCantle · #10 (**permalink**) 20-03-2009, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cellarman

Benbo Trekker or UniLoc equivalent. Not all macro work is at ground level and these tripods will allow photography from ground level to approx 1.5 metres above ground.

True, but I suppose it would come down to how much you wanted to spend. I know some of the cheaper Manfrotto models allow the horizontal use of the centre column which can achieve ground level shots with the legs completely splayed.